Android Headunit

Installed some magnets behind the dash. Another member made a post about this a while back but figured i would add mine here since I have the unit installed as well.. https://youtu.be/9UTxFnOLHXg

 

Do you have a link to these magnets? I have to take the radio back out to made a few adjustments and this would be a nice add on.

 

Here are a couple links of the magnets and the new phone case I bought that has a plate in it and it has a soft back so you dont need the felt pads on the dash.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Piece-Di...h=item213f6cd7b0:g:HwUAAOSweoBa~RSP:rk:2:pf:0

Molzar [Slim Fit Series] iPhone Xs Case, iPhone X Case, Built-in Metal Plate for Magnetic Car Phone Holder, Support Qi Wireless Charging, Compatible with Apple iPhone Xs/X, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Molzar-Invis...pons&keywords=phone+case+metal+plate+s9&psc=1

Galaxy S9 Plus Case, Fabric texture PU leather Protective Phone Case Back Cover TPU Bumper Back Skin Hard Case With Built-in metal sheet and Magnetic car Holder For Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus 6.2"-Grey

https://www.amazon.com/S9-Plus-Case...533&sr=8-7&keywords=phone+case+metal+plate+s9

 

It’s an OEM Taco leather wheel, you can find them used for as low as $100-$150. Just the wheel is exchanged. The buttons, air bag etc are your existing Tundra parts. It only takes 1/2h to do.

 

I'm interested in getting this head unit, I've been through most of the pages and related posts. Since there is a ton of info and topics covered, is there anyone or several that can chime in on a couple of things. I'm wondering if a post with Pro's & Con's would help all that might be interested? I like the look of the head unit and the added features but I just don't want to add issues to my truck

My truck 2017 1794 JBL:

I see that there are 2 head units, is the first head unit that has the HAVAC controls at the bottom obsolete?

Has the Gen2 addressed most of the issues and or if you have the Gen 1 can the software updates be added?

Just from pics the Gen 1 unit plastic trim looks like a better match than the Gen 2?

What are the benefits over going with either unit?

 

Not sure about Gen 1 comparisons since I didn’t have it, but check out the thread @dud13 created listed below, great write up. The only major issue I’ve seen so far with the Gen 2 is the HVAC controls still don’t have fahreneit degrees for those trim levels that have AUTO AC where you could set the degrees (i.e. the TUNDRA HI setting, which is what a 1794 would be set to), only HI and LO, but according to Phoenix that’s only an issue for the 2018 and 2019 model years, which they are working on a fix. I beleive they fixed the degrees for 2017 and earlier. I can tell you this, the main reason I bought it was to get better sound than the POS JBL system, and the Phoenix unit DEFINITELY delivers. Plus it offers RCA outs you can use for a potential seperate subwoofer and amplifier, which I am considering.

Android Head Unit Review and Info

 

Ian, are you familiar playing with an android tablet? That’s basically what it is connected to your speakers, HVAC and steering controls. There’s a learning curve if you’re not an android user.

There’s 3 models for your truck, Gen1 has the big round knobs at the bottom, Gen2 often referred to as the newer “fast boot” version comes with buttons or no buttons. Personally, being able to reach physical controls (Gen2 w buttons) at any time is my preference.

There’s a 4th version coming out that retains your factory HVAC knobs because the tablet floats in front on an arm and the box with the harnesses goes where the existing HU is, you don’t remove your lower controls. It doesn’t look as integrated to me so seems cheap but some might like it for its versatility.

 

Thank you for the clarification, both of you answered most of my questions. Specifically the bump is sound quality over the factory head unit and the fact that the Gen 1 with the standard dials is still a current model. That makes sense because I like the way that one is set up better than the Gen 2. What does the fast-boot get you, I realize that it is faster etc. is the Gen 1 slow to boot?

Main thing I want is better sound quality, video in motion and the looks of the unit it's self. I realize it will do a ton of things and guys are into that but it's not that big of a deal to me.

What are the main features that you guys like?

 

Recieved my unit today for my 2007 tundra hopefully will get it installed by this weekend and will post pictures.

 

Be forewarned though and ready for a challenge to set things up the way you like. It does have glitches here and there..consistency with wifi and BT connection, BT voice call may be lacking. You may get the gen1 from other distributors but Phoenix(where i got the unit from a group buy) is phasing out gen1 hence support and updates will stop. idk with other "distributors" though on how their tech and customer support is.

 

Ian, if you really like Gen1 with the 3 big round knobs at the bottom, you can save a lot by buying used. People are selling them around $350 or less. Not sure how much slower the startup time over Gen2 in day to day use, but I believe if you don’t start your truck within 48h, it has to do a full long boot.

 

Appreciate the input, thats what I've been trying to get a handle on. I like the head unit but do I need the glitches and or issues that come with it.

 

Good to know, like Hugh said if they are phasing out the Gen 1 than support and updates could be an issue. It would seem short sighted for them to leave all the customers that bought into the Gen 1 unit high and dry.

 

Ok so I got it. Installed it hidden behind the HU, and added a USB port to plug my phone into for CarPlay (pic below). Overall it’s nifty, and I think worth the $60, with a couple of issues I’m asking about over on the FB page.

 

Looks like there are some reasonable ugrades to the v1 model.. fast boot anyone?

https://www.phoenixautomotiveinc.co...-boot-for-selected-vertical-screen-head-units

 

Probably would get it back by spring !

 

I could only hope.. my V1 will probably boot by end of spring.

 

John if you wanted to paint your buttons you could take the HU into a graphics/tint shop and scan your buttons and make up stickers the same size as what on the button's. Then you could sand or strip the silver paint off then apply the stickers, paint them and after they dry remove the stickers and you master piece would be complete. If I only had more time and less work.

 

Joey very nice looking, I found the page for the magnetic phone mount.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-phone-mount.12908/

 

I actually had the buttons out with the bezel separated and thought about painting them too. Painting over removable stickers would be cool, maintain the light coming through afterward. I did completely paint over the hazard button that doesn’t turn off. I was also concerned with wear factor and chipping. I like the dull silver contrasting the black when it’s dim so I can see what I’m pressing, although the letters on black would probably alleviate that.

Excuse the half naked lady, it’s Halsey’s video live at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, not while driving, talk about distraction lol

 

The more I see your interior the more I want this unit.

 

This unit looks amazing but the more I read up on it the more issues that seem to come up, I understand new technology usually does, but with this being a no brand type unit, worried about support if anything happens. And the fact it needs wifi to be properly utilized is another reason Im hesitant. Undoubtedly it does look quite impressive, especially for a gen 2 tundra, 13.6” screen so if one comes up with a great reduced price will be hard to NOT buy one!

 

I think the HU for Tundra 2nd gen will be included in the next group buy per Jodi, he was getting confirmation on date. It’s just that it’s brand new so not a whole lot of users to help problem solve like the pool of 2014+ owners. $550 is my guess like previous for 3rd gen.

No Wi-Fi needed. Put your media on USB sticks, download local google maps at home (30d expiry) or install full maps like TomTom.

Unknown what issues you may experience. None here, I use it daily and love the experience.
ymmv

 

FYI for the version 1 with 3 knobs the temp was finally fixed ! For the higher model tundras I updated the MCU and the temps are correct now !

 

You should have the factory usb and then another extra USB port. I have read people run that second one to the glove box and use it for video components. I haven't tried yet. As for the factory one. I just did the last update through that port so I feel it's more then just a charger

 

Man, that looks great. I wish that they would make this friggin thing work like a champ and I'd be all over it.
I wish that you wouldn't have to use a hotspot and could utilize your phones data like a Kenwood/pioneer.

 

So.. seems to still be some questions referring to the quality of the product. I will tell you the first unit I received had its issues. I think the digitizer was bad, in turn the left of the screen was not touchable. I reached out to Phoenix and they sent me a new one. Did it take some time, sure, but if you ever ordered anything from over seas it's bound to be a process. "Slow boat from China"

Anywho, I have the newest of the 2nd gen with buttons. It is fully operational, and does everything I need it to. I took a few screen shots of the video I posted on FB, just to show you all some of the potential with it. Granted you will have to play with some settings to get it where you want. And you will more then likely need a little bit of help getting it installed. But seriously, nothing someone with a little patience can't get through. Patience being the main ingredient!

Some of the apps I have are:
Pandora, Amazon Prime video, YouTube, CBS, NBC, NFL, CarLauncherPro, freeTV, Google calendar, Waze, Google maps, Facebook, Gmail, DirecTV. And a few more I can't remember off the top of my head. There are a ton more available. Netflix and Amazon music is not currently compatible but I'm sure there will be a fix for that soon.

I can literally sit in my car and play with it for hours on end.. . Just to find more stuff. The sound compared to stock is night and day for me. Stock radio sound was crap on a SR5, even with volumn all the way up. This changed that for sure. Next is new speakers for sure, but don't think I'll even need an amp or nothing for the sound I need.

THE FACEBOOK page is extremely helpful, but remember when u visit that page u will see issues, that's the purpose of the page. You refer to it for help. So don't let that page be a deciding factor. Just know there are some kinks to work through. And for the price of the unit, it's well worth a little trouble shooting. I get nothing for talking about this unit, and believe me I am totally fine with being the cool kid and not everyone having this sexy thing. But just thought I'd share.

 

How did you do that? My temp readouts are still jacked. The heater works, just won't display the correct temp.

 

Thanks! You do use your phone’s data to give it WiFi, it just connects if my iPhone’s hotspot feature is on. Same with calls, my address book automatically shows and it’s ready to make calls if my phone’s Bluetooth is on. Works great for me, it’s just not user friendly setting it up at first.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ftzmejp66ushkp7/AAADqUcJyJYCOIRDCyDC-R9ra?dl=0

The detailed you tube video is titled
Temperature fix tundra Tessa style unit 4.4